Ringed Sap-sucking Slug
Plakobranchus ocellatus
Also known as: Ocellated Plankobrunchus, Sacoglossan, Sap Sucker, Solar-powered Sea Slug
- Ocellated Plankobrunchus
- Sacoglossan
- Sap Sucker
- Solar-powered Sea Slug
Overview
Found singly or in large groups, during the day amongst shallow patches of rubble and sand, over lagoons, pools, coral and rocky reefs rich in algae. Varies in colour and pattern.
Depth - Shallow
Opisthobranchia - Nudibranchs - Sea Slugs meaning "naked gills" are molluscs without a hard shell.
All opisthobranchs are hermaphrodites.
These beautiful slugs are usually brilliantly coloured and this in itself can act as a deterrent against predators. Some sea slugs secrete acid from stinging cells in their tentacles while others secrete acid from cells in their mantle.
Nudibranchs are slow moving, can swim or be propelled along either by muscular contraction or by millions of tiny hairs on the bottom of a fleshy 'foot', they have a voracious appetite and feed with a rasp like tongue.
Nudibranch lay their eggs in a ribbon effect on the sand, in different colours depending on species.
How to identify
Habitat & where to find it
- Range · Indo-Pacific
- Country only · 2
Found singly or in large groups, during the day amongst shallow patches of rubble and sand, over lagoons, pools, coral and rocky reefs rich in algae.
Adult photos 2
Discussion
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Deep dive
Taxonomy
- familyElysiidae
- genusPlakobranchus
- speciesPlakobranchus ocellatus van Hasselt, 1824
SourcesWoRMSSea Slug Forum
More in the family
Sapsucking Slugs (Elysiidae)



